new USA cycling classifications

[anrothar]

http://usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=2629

interesting. on the plus, it would seem one might be able to gain points through non-'norba' races. on the negative, it seems they're ranking 50k and 24hr events in the same category. wtf? 50k is within the scope of a normal xc race for semi-pro on up, how can that be considered ultra? or perhaps by marathon they mean 50 mile+?

 

[Norm]

There was a big hubbub about this on mtbr. Basically NORBA/USAC sees that the endurance MTB scene is growing very fast and there's a lot of cash to be made by it. They are essentially trying to sink their meat hooks into that body of available cash. There is a big backlash against the whole "organizing body" movement. It's what makes events like the Allamuchy 24 grass roots and organic. A lot of people want to keep that feel, myself among them.